OSDH: 478 New Coronavirus Cases, 1 More Virus-Related Death Reported In Oklahoma

One more virus-related death and 478 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state since Saturday, according to daily numbers released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Now a total of 10,515 Oklahomans have tested positive for COVID-19 and the total number of deaths went up to 369, the state health department said on Saturday. The total number of recovered cases improved by 117 to 7,531.

Dr. Dale Bratzler, the chief COVID officer for the University of Oklahoma said the recent increase in cases can’t be attributed to testing. In recent weeks, the number of tests performed have slightly increased, but are still significantly larger than amounts from April.

“I don’t think it’s related to testing at all, I think we’re seeing more community spread of this virus,” Bratzler. “This is exponential growth now.”

More: Watch: Dr. Bratzler On Why Oklahoma No Longer Meets COVID-19 Requirements To Reopen

On April 28, Gov. Kevin Stitt said anyone who wished to take a COVID-19 test could do so even if they are not presenting symptoms.

Related: Gov. Stitt Presents State's Coronavirus Figures To Show Oklahoma Is Ready To Reopen

On April 22, Stitt introduced his multi-phase plan for reopening the state beginning with plans to reopen personal care businesses on Friday by appointment only. 

Read more: Governor Stitt Releases 3-Phase Plan To Reopen Oklahoma 

Oklahoma health officials and Stitt said the coronavirus data was trending downward and was safe to proceed to phase 3 of the reopening plan on June 1.

More: Oklahoma To Begin Phase 3 Of 'Open Up & Recover Safely' Plan

The state health department advises anyone with COVID-19 symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever or coughing to stay home and limit person-to-person engagement. 

Related: 450 More Oklahomans Test Positive For Coronavirus; 2 New Virus-Related Deaths Reported, OSDH Says

The state coronavirus hotline is 877-215-8336 or 211. For a list of coronavirus (COVID-19) links and resources, click here.